Burnley vs Everton

Match Preview

André Gomes is in contention for a place in the starting XI after missing the last month with a rib injury

Everton will make the short trip up the road to Burnley this weekend for a match that has taken on huge significance for their season.

With four defeats in their last five Premier League matches and having sunk to 15th place in the table with seven games played, the Blues and their manager find themselves under a fair amount of pressure to take advantage of another relatively favourable run of matches between now and a daunting December programme to get some points on the board.

Certainly, the next three league fixtures, against Burnley, West Ham and Brighton, before the meeting with Watford in the Carabao Cup at the end of the month will be viewed as must-win for a team that came into the season eyeing a place in the top six but which has been massively disappointing so far.

Marco Silva's task will have been boosted by André Gomes's return to training and the news that he, along with Theo Walcott, will be in contention for this weekend's match.

Gomes has been sidelined for the past month with a rib injury while Walcott had to be withdrawn just after less than a minute's worth of action on his first start of the season against Manchester City last Saturday when he was struck on the head by the ball.

“Really good news for us,” Silva said. “Andre resumed training at the start of the week and Theo started do some individual work as well and today they did the session with the team.

“Now it's up to us to keep working hard with him (Gomes) and to put him on same level as the others and if we decide, he will be ready.”

There was good news as well regarding Jean-Philippe Gbamin who has been running on grass for the first time having been ruled out since late August with a torn muscle in his thigh.

Asked where Gbamin was on his recovery timeline from a thigh injury, Silva said that the Ivorian was back on a pitch for the first time today, working on running with Bruno Mendes.

“Let's in the next few days see how he reacts and we'll take it step-by-step but it's a good sign for us.”

In terms of the clash with the Clarets, Evertonians will travel to Turf Moor with a degree of trepidation given how effective Sean Dyche's team can be with crosses and from set-pieces, talents that will almost certainly be targeted at the Toffees' Achilles heel in that regard. Three of Burnley's last four goals were scored from headers while Everton have struggled to deal with dead-ball situations and aerial deliveries all season.

Since Samuel Eto'o grabbed a brace on this ground a little over five years ago, this has been a tricky fixture for the Blues. After Dyche steered them back into the top flight, Burnley won the next two meetings between the two sides at Turf Moor, beaten Ronald Koeman's and Sam Allardyce's sides 2-1. The Boxing Day goal glut in Everton's favour last season was a welcome change of the script but it's hard to see a repeat of that performance on the evidence of the season so far.

Much will depend on which team Silva deploys and whether he opts for his preferred 4-3-3 formation now that Gomes is fit or persists with the 4-2-3-1 system that has struggled against teams content to be compact and deploy the low block to stifle what remains a team devoid of much collective creativity.

Bernard should be available again after missing the defeat to Manchester City with a virus, one that almost forced Lucas Digne out of the starting line-up and may have also been affecting Alex Iwobi. There has been a clamour from some quarters for Iwobi to start given his instant impact after signing from Arsenal and perhaps be tried in the No 10 role but it's more likely that he would start on the left if selected.

Silva's men will need to gather all the confidence they gleaned from a spirited performance against Man City last weekend and the win over Sheffield Wednesday in the cup that preceded it for this one. Burnley, who come into the game two points and four places better off and having lost to just Liverpool and Arsenal, promise to pose robust opposition but anything other than a win for Everton will surely ratchet up the debate about Silva's future at Goodison Park.

Reader Comments (146)

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Christy Ring 1Posted
03/10/2019 at
22:50:59

Hopefully Gomes will come back in on Saturday, we miss his passing abilities.

Having Delph and Schneiderlin, two holding midfielders, is not working for Silva, and offers nothing as a unit going forward.

David Pearl 2Posted
03/10/2019 at
23:23:52

Christy, you could argue that the RS play with 3 defensive midfielders, its more to do with the shape of the team and tactics as once again we are waiting to play ourselves into form.

Paul Birmingham 3Posted
03/10/2019 at
23:31:05

Hopefully he's fully fit, but will he start remains to be seen. A must win and vital game and a lot for this squad to prove.

Burnley won't have the off-day like Boxing Day, so no surrender and let's see some fighting spirit and passion on the park, and we win.

Fran Mitchell 4Posted
03/10/2019 at
23:50:29

David, Liverpool do not play with 3 defensive midfielders, they play with 3 No 8s, all are box-to-box, high press, never stop running.

That's what we need, and Gomes is so important to us. When he's fit, I'd go with Davies, Delph and Gomes for a good 6/7 games to see if they can develop a style together. Sigurdsson on the bench. I would also like to see Adeniran given a chance on the bench or in Davies's place.

Also, I would hope young Gordon gets a place on the bench ahead of Walcott.

Robin Cannon 5Posted
03/10/2019 at
23:52:33

Good news on the injury front!

In other news, Theo Walcott is fit for selection.

Tony Hill 6Posted
04/10/2019 at
06:03:39

I dont think Sigurdsson deserves his place but I agree he will be selected. I would play Bernard.

We must take this game by the scruff of the neck. Another timid defeat would be intolerable.

Drew O'Neall 7Posted
04/10/2019 at
06:40:33

Losing Bernard, Gana and Zouma has been catastrophic for our high press and therefore team shape.

Against the lesser lights of the Premier League this matters less because we enjoy so much possession so I wouldnt necessarily concern myself with this issue tomorrow if I were the manager however what must be fixed is our behaviour in the final third and our propensity to waste final ball.

The top 6 have to contend with the low block but they have the guile to unlock it and we do not.

I dont think its a formation or personnel issue particularly more one of training and tactics.

We have to cycle the ball around the opponents penalty area and get our players into position in the final phase of play, intent on only letting the players who can do the damage complete the killer pass or shot.

If I have to sit through another afternoon of floaty crosses to no one from Coleman I will go spare. Digne, Sigurdsson and Ewobi must be worked to the edge of the area where they can shoot or play a killer final pass as others provide plenty of movement to receive. If it doesnt work we build it again not float one in because its good enough to have created a chance.

Jesus, I read weve created more goal scoring chances than any other team since the start of last season, the issue is the majority are half/hard chances.

The best teams create tap-ins by having a plan, lots of well drilled movement and the confidence to retain ball until it bears fruit - I think Everton is much closer than everyone thinks, Silva just needs to drill this in to the players on the training ground - but has he analysed the situation? His in game substitutions cause me to doubt his ability to analyse whats happening in front of him.

John Keating 8Posted
04/10/2019 at
06:54:12

We all know that Burnley will bombard our defence with high balls and play to their aerial strength.

Unfortunately although I don't think the Mina/Keane combo is working so far I see no alternative to playing them both.Based on performances this season I do not think Sigi is worth a place.

I would go with only one holding player in a 4-1-4-1 with the 2 wide midfielders given licence to roam when we have the ball

PickfordColeman Mina Keane DigneDelphKean Gomes Davies RichieDCL

Kunal Desai 9Posted
04/10/2019 at
06:55:20

A minimum of 6 points from Burnley, Westham and Brighton. Anything less give Silva his P45

Kunal Desai 10Posted
04/10/2019 at
06:58:34

I think Keane and Mina will struggle against Woods and Barnes. Be a very physical game with lots of long balls pumped into our box.

John Pierce 11Posted
04/10/2019 at
07:08:14

Silva is at the point were even a win is not enough. Because he loses too many games in a bunches. You simply cannot do it if you are a top manager.

Lose by all means, its the reaction that counts. At no point during his tenures in England has he had teams which pick themselves off the floor, despite getting better playing staff with each appointment.

Can you see him turning this around and going on a monster run? No. His win ratios are almost exactly the same from the three clubs in England.

So whether its this international break or at the end of the season the fella goose is cooked.

Henry Lloyd 12Posted
04/10/2019 at
07:41:25

I think we can safely say that, if we get stuffed by Burnley, that would be the end for Silva?

Anyone agree?

Trevor Peers 13Posted
04/10/2019 at
08:38:06

We should follow the Leicester blue print for success and only give the manager enough time to improve the team. They have had no fewer than 4 managers since 2017, eventually finding a good fit with Rodgers, in that case Silva should be long gone !

I can't see the game at Burnley will be any better than previous away performances under this manager, unless we get lucky and score 2 early goals, highly unlikely.

Darren Hind 14Posted
04/10/2019 at
08:46:24

I would go with the side John Keating puts up.

Barnes and Woods are a right handful, but their lack of mobility may suit Keane and Mina – I'll be more concerned when they swap brawn for brain and introduce Rodrigues.

Sigurdsson is our most talented player, but If ever a player needed a boot up the arse...

I think our midfield will be more effective with Gomes calling the shots and having Delph and Davies shielding and biting tackles around him to give him that moment of space he needs to function.

The inclusion of Davies (or maybe Schneiderlin) to do this means no place for Sigurdsson.

I can't make my mind up between Bernard and Iwobi who starts.

Martin Berry 16Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:02:13

I expect us to win as we have too much talent.

Great to see Gomes back, I would also like to see the energy of Davies in there too.

We will need to keep close shackles on Chris Wood as he is a really underrated and old-style centre-forward who could cause us real problems from set-pieces.

Everton 3-1.

Eddie Dunn 17Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:03:50

Darren, my thoughts are the same as yours regarding Mina and Keane. I think Barnes and Wood will suit our totemic duo as opposed to the City dwarves with their clever movement and speed.

However, I have been hopeful of a turnaround in our away form so many times that I simply can't see us bucking the trend up at Turf Moor.

A draw would be acceptable but another limp away performance will put question marks on the manager who needs his payers to really implement his instructions.

Paul Hewitt 18Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:11:44

Well, I have no faith in getting any form of positive result tomorrow. Silva doesn't have a clue what he's doing. 3-1 loss I'm afraid.

Neil Wood 19Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:21:00

Easy game this. 0-4.

Thats how we should be commenting at this point of the season with the team we have. However, as we all know things havent gone to plan. A good 3 or 4 nil win may just give us the confidence to push on. We need two or three wins on the bounce to gain momentum have faith blues

Jim Harrison 20Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:36:59

Would be nice for a game to go by when someone doesnt give a cheap free kick away in a dangerous position!!

Kevin Prytherch 21Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:38:36

I would start with the same team as last week, but play Bernard instead of Walcott.

Burnley will try and have a go at first and Schneiderlin offers good cover positionally for the centre backs. As long as we dont make any silly mistakes then they will play into our hands if were set up like last week with Sigurdsson and Calvert-Lewin pressing from the front.

As the game wears on and (providing we dont concede) Burnley retreat, thats when the likes of Gomes, Iwobi and Kean should be introduced to break Burnley down.

If we do score early, Burnley will have to come at us more and this will play into our hands even more.

Derek Knox 22Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:47:29

Not making any predictions, but we simply must play better, where the goals, if any, are going to come from, is anyone's guess.

I am hoping he is a bit less predictable with his team selection, but won't hold my breath. Anything less than a win will surely signal that Silva's days are numbered.

Clive Rogers 23Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:51:34

As always this season the big question is where will the goals come from. In all of the suggested teams, I dont see goals. I dont see DCL as the long term answer. Hes just not a natural finisher and Siggy seems to have lost that part of his game. I think we will struggle to get a result. Would settle for a point.

Sam Hoare 24Posted
04/10/2019 at
09:53:17

This is the worst type of game for Silva's Everton. It's away. Against a team that masters the low block and will leave no space behind. I'm expecting little.

Many want to drop Sigurdsson and I can see why, but he is one of the few players in our teams creating chances. He's actually third in the league currently for chances created behind De Bruyne and Alexander-Arnold. He's capable of the cute little ball he played through for DCL against City that he almost managed to lift over Ederson. He also put in a couple of great corners that Mina should have scored from. Don't get me wrong I think he's played below himself this year and i'm not his biggest fan but in a team short on creativity he's one of our only reliable outlets.

I'm hoping Gomes and Delph will give our midfield a bit more balance and in theory Wood and Barnes should be the sort of opponents Mina and Kean thrive against. Calvert-Lewin surely starts and must be feeling as confident as he has in a long time and I think Richie is due a goal. The big choice for me is probably Iwobi or Bernard? Set pieces will continue to be the worry and I just hope we move the ball quicker and can be more clinical with any chances that fall our way.

Steve Ferns 25Posted
04/10/2019 at
10:06:56

Sam, this is exactly the kind of game where Sigurdsson needs to be left out. If he plays he will be marked by two or three and not be able to create anything.

Imagine the scenario, we will have lots of the ball and Burnley will shut everything down, so it's back to the sideways probing passing most despise. Sigurdsson is usually in or around the edge of the area and so heavily marked.

If you took him out of the side, you could have an extra guy in a deeper position. This means that two of those three central midfielders could be looking to make a lot run which is harder for Burnley to pick up, it's also means we would be able use our players a bit deeper to try and pull Burnley out of position with clever runs. It gives us options to create space. It also means we can have 3 strikers, if you will, rather than 1 centre-forward and 2 wingers. These wider forwards can pull the fullbacks out of position (with runs into the box). This then means the fullbacks can move into space wide, unmarked, unless the Burnley wingers are switched on and get back.

I think Sigurdsson has a nasty habit of getting himself marked out of the game instead of trying to dominate it. I don't know why he doesn't demand the ball more, or drop deeper to try and get on the ball more. It's not the manager preventing him as he's been this way under 3 different managers for us.

Gary Willock 26Posted
04/10/2019 at
10:14:02

If it has to be 4-2-3-1 (and let's face it, this is Silva so it will be) then the team I would like to see:

We need to put our best left-sided attacker back where he belongs, make Siggy know he's in a battle for his place with Bernard & Iwobi, make Pickford know he has to battle too, and start bringing through the young stars like Chelsea and others are doing.

Why do we bother? We know the system this manager wants so there won't be any "hold-your-breath" changes, just more of the same. The sad part is that the opposition know it just as well. The one surprise is that Lyndon thinks Schneiderlin won't get a run.

Sam Hoare 28Posted
04/10/2019 at
10:31:29

Steve, you could be right though that depends on those deeper players making the right runs. I'm a fan of Silva trying 4-3-3 but it's not something we've seen him implement at Everton in the league. I'd even say Siggy could potentially be one of those deeper players; no one else shoots from range as well as him.

I'd also be a fan of trying Iwobi there. Having a 10 who can beat his man might help you open up space certainly.

But another part of me feels that an inspired cross or set-piece could be one of our best hopes and again Siggy is one of our best executors of such skills.

I'm not sure Silva is brave enough to drop his best creator in a team that desperately needs more goals. It's a little bit like the Ozil conundrum at Arsenal!

John Raftery 29Posted
04/10/2019 at
10:33:42

If Gomes only resumed training at the beginning of the week it would surprise me if he starts. If he does start it would surprise me if he lasts more than an hour.

Last season in this fixture Silva opted to play three at the back, Zouma, Keane and Mina, to combat Burnley's aerial bombardment. It worked. He does not have three tall defenders this season, so that option is ruled out. It is vital therefore we control the midfield and have solid cover in front of the full-backs to reduce the amount of crosses into the area.

There will be an important role for our wide attacking players to close down when Burnley have possession as well as being ready to break forward quickly when we win possession. For that reason, we may see all four of Bernard, Richarlison, Iwobi and Walcott feature at some stage in the game.

A win would be a welcome surprise. A draw would give us something to build on. A defeat would set the alarm bells ringing.

Tony Abrahams 30Posted
04/10/2019 at
10:58:42

Drew @7, I think if Everton got more players into the box they would score loads of tap-ins, because they do get into some very good positions out-wide going into their opponents box.

The problem is the second part, because we get so few bodies forward, that once our one player, “two at most” are picked up, it leaves the opposition with too many defenders to just concentrate on where the ball is going to go.

I think Barnes and Wood will bully Keane, because one thing Burnley do best is that they try and play to their strengths. Hopefully Everton can start to do the same, and starting from tomorrow would be welcome.

Tony Everan 31Posted
04/10/2019 at
11:06:23

Steve 25

My thoughts exactly, well said.

Swapping Sigurdsson for Davies effectively gives us an extra midfielder and also offers energy and willingness to attack from midfield.

I like Sigurdsson but positionally it is not working for him or for the team at the moment. It is not a dig on him but an attempt to find a better functioning midfield system defensively. It suits our preferred set up much better with Richarlison and Bernard or Iwobi providing some width and pace.

Raymond Fox 32Posted
04/10/2019 at
11:09:52

The betting is: 2/1 Burnley 2/1 the draw 9/4 Everton, in other words, anything can happen.

I think we will win this, don't ask me for a rundown of why – we don't know the team yet but I feel someone is going to get a hiding from us shortly and this might be the game.

I see Delph has an England call up because he's getting regular playing time. I would give him the captaincy instead of Coleman, he's where most of the play is.

Dave Abrahams 33Posted
04/10/2019 at
11:24:59

Sigurdsson will play, simply because he creates chances from dead-ball situations, did it last week versus Man City from corners and free kicks.

The fact that he did very little else in that game, or for most of the other matches this season won't change Silva's very stubborn mind.

As for the other positions, Pickford will remain in goal, Keane and Mina will stay at centre-back and Richarlison will play again.

I hope Silva makes some surprise changes, not just to make a fool out of me, but to surprise Everton fans all over the place.

Jerome Shields 34Posted
04/10/2019 at
11:28:30

It will be interesting to see Silva's team selection against a 'shut up shop' side. If the high press does not work, Sigurdsson will be anonymous and, if selected, Gomes will be under the type of pressure he does not appear to like.

Iowbi needs to play, but Walcott could be selected. These will be the critical selection topics and there may be even an unexpected selection as well. Lyndon's predicted line-up may not be the line-up.

Derek Taylor 35Posted
04/10/2019 at
11:38:09

Pleas for the inclusion of Davies are likely to fall on deaf ears. Silva is not a fan of Everton graduates who haven't cost the Club a fortune. Better to play chancers like Schneiderlin who makes the game look easy whilst achieving nothing!

Jer Kiernan 36Posted
04/10/2019 at
11:56:04

Silva needs to prove he can beat these non-footballing teams, and our players need to prove they are up for the fight, These games now should be more "daunting" for Silva as up to this point he has failed miserably to make our perceived gulf in class actually show.

However, against the Big 6, he kind of gets a free pass as long as we push them close, although I concede it's been the one shining light of his reign for me a vast improvement in performance and results against Top 6 teams; unfortunately, there are only of 6 of them!!

David Pearl 37Posted
04/10/2019 at
12:17:20

We will not play 4-3-3, why even mention it as an option? We've been 4-2-3-1 all along, with maybe two or three games 3-4-3 (or 5-2-3 depending how you look at it) and one game 4-4-1-1 which was last week.

If we concede first, we lose. If we score first, we have a chance. It's about tactics and faith in our forwards. Silva is a scared manager. He needs to go so we can save our season. Unless we lose and Silva then uses this international break to ignite our season like he did last year. Then we can look forward to the same old next season too after we spend another £100m+!!!

Rob Marsh 38Posted
04/10/2019 at
12:18:23

Who scores first I feel will be important in this game, If they do, they'll be big favourites to go on and win.

If we score first? We're like a boxer with a glass jaw and it tends to shatter the first punch we take, we need to be 2-0 up to feel any kind of comfort.

Matthew Williams 39Posted
04/10/2019 at
13:07:20

Really tough to call this one, could end up a classic or a bore-fest.

With Silva being SO cautious, gotta be a draw that leaves us all feeling like we lost to a team we really should be beating.

Ajay Gopal 41Posted
04/10/2019 at
13:17:55

Tony Everan (15), I like your starting XI, I would only change it to a 4-4-2, I think Richarlison playing up top with Calvert-Lewin would cause a lot of problems for the Burnley defense.

I liked the Digne and Bernard partnership last season and, for some reason, Silva has tinkered with it this season – probably to accommodate Iwobi and Kean – but it has not worked. I would like to see the 'Dignard' partnership restored. Davies and Coleman may offer similar energy and solidity on the right. Hopefully Delph and Gomes develop into a solid central midfield partnership.

Sigurdsson, Iwobi and Kean to come on and provide more attacking options (to replace Gomes, Bernard and Richarlison).

Some interesting tactical ideas on here, but I'm assuming Silva will play the same way he always does, and with broadly the same personnel. The chances of him dropping Sigurdsson are somewhere between zero and fuck all.

I expect the odd short winning run interspersed with depressing defeats between now and the end of the season, at which point Moshiri will sack Silva. Sure, we're going through managers like a dose of salts but, as Trevor says @13, you give a manager long enough to improve the team (which Silva will have had by May) and if it isn't working, you try again until you find the right fit.

Jay Wood[BRZ] 43Posted
04/10/2019 at
13:22:50

At least Marco Silva has come out with some glowing tributes about Anthony Gordon and saying he is now pushing for a place in the first team squad:

It comes with a caveat, however. Silva says: “He is really close [to a first-team call], I will tell you, unfortunately for him maybe it is the position on the pitch where we have most quality, where competition is hardest.”

Daniel A Johnson 44Posted
04/10/2019 at
13:23:33

Not being negative but this fixture will be another nail in SIlva's coffin.

The win last time was when Burnley were in the malaise of the Europa League. No such distractions this time for them. If Villa, Sheff Utd and Bournemouth can turn us over so convincingly, god knows what Burnley will do to us.

I want to be proved wrong but my gut says it's another away day defeat for Marco. Lose this and we will be in the mire and Moshiri's trigger finger will start to itch.

Fran Mitchell 45Posted
04/10/2019 at
13:28:01

Yeah Jay, we could have a young Messi and Silva would still keep selecting Walcott. Gordon's got no chance.

I could see the lad pushing for a move to Germany if we don't promote him soon though.

Jamie Crowley 46Posted
04/10/2019 at
13:37:08

This is a must-win game. The wife will have that smug smile on her face all day if her Burnley topples the Mighty Blues. We can't lose.

The above lineup will never happen, but I'm never giving up the dream of seeing that tricky Bernard play the 10.

Jamie Crowley 47Posted
04/10/2019 at
13:57:31

I just realized we only have three games in October. I had looked just yesterday and thought there were four games, not realizing one of the listed games was a Cup game.

Three games in October. I truly believe if Marco fails to get any points this month, he'll be gone.

Burnley, West Ham, and Brighton. If we don't beat any of them, and are on 7 points heading into November, the Board won't have a choice. They'll have to swing the axe.

Burnley will be tricky. West Ham difficult. Brighton should be three points with our eyes closed, but then I thought the same about Palace, Villa, Bournemouth, and Shef Wed.

Surely the pressure is mounting on Marco.

John Pierce 48Posted
04/10/2019 at
14:07:17

Fran, I agree. Do young players feel theres a pathway? The bluster of saying hes close when Silvas own first XI cant hit a barn door is pretty funny. There might be some who argue putting a kid in when the team is on the downturn is a bad idea, I understand that but wouldnt agree. Now more than ever Silva has to demonstrate he can change things.

Robert Williams 49Posted
04/10/2019 at
14:21:32

Let's hope the whole team are on 'HEAT' and not played off the 'MAP' - or is that over simplifying matters?

John Pierce 50Posted
04/10/2019 at
14:26:04

I'd not even go with a centre-forward, a 4-3-3 for sure with Iwobi as a false nine. I'd sit deep and let Burnley take the initiative. A half-pitch press and use the two wider forwards to counter.

We need a win, it needs a big change. Delph, Sigurdsson & Gomes in midfield. Use their passing range to hit the channels and shift the Burnley centre-backs trolls from under their bridge.

By blocking the midfield centrally you force the full-backs wider and ensure they have to cross/punt from a deeper position, that's your turn over opportunity for Mina & Keane and then transition down the sides for Bernard & Richarlison.

If Silva goes for possession in this game we'll get picked off. If I'm a player and get presented with the same picks and tactical approach for the ‘n-th' time, I dial out because why would it work this time?

James Hughes 51Posted
04/10/2019 at
15:02:17

Hi John #48,

According to some, we already play a false nine.

John Pierce 52Posted
04/10/2019 at
15:04:30

😂😂😂

Sam Hoare 53Posted
04/10/2019 at
15:14:01

John @50,

I'd go with that approach but I still think you'd play Calvert-Lewin in that false 9 role as he has the pace to go over the top to but also is good enough in the air to win flick-ons.

We've just not been playing direct and central enough this season. Everything has been about getting the ball to full-backs who then cross in usually for only one or two of our players in the box.

Burnley will play a lot of balls straight up to Woods and Barnes and I've a horrible feeling it will work!

Darren Hind 54Posted
04/10/2019 at
15:34:04

"Where are the goals going to come from"? ... Usually the opposition.

This is a really interesting thread with fans and critics of Sigurdsson seemingly crossing over to the other side of the house. He is a conundrum.

Having read all the points I think I side with Dave A. He is trying to put himself in Silva's shoes (wish he could) rather than give his own take.

Regardless of what we say on here, Silva will almost certainly play him in the hope that one (or two) of those dead-ball deliveries end up in the back of the net.

John Pierce 55Posted
04/10/2019 at
16:01:35

Sam,

It's about using Burnley's greatest strength against them. Accept those high balls will come, however, make them do it from weaker position and have more men deeper around the ball by sitting back.

If we go 4-2-3-1 and play the same way those balls will be higher up the pitch, and we will have less men to pick up the pieces.

I wouldn't go with Calvert-Lewin because the temptation will be to hit him. Perhaps Kean instead of Iwobi? Those three up top have to be in the channels and receive it on the floor.

I absolutely agree we need to be more varied and go down the middle, but that is their strength and not sure we should play to it.

Danny Broderick 56Posted
04/10/2019 at
16:36:13

I'd play Sigurdsson in midfield in a 4-3-3 formation, instead of his number 10 role. He covers a lot of ground and he can pass the ball, so he can definitely play an orthodox midfield role. My midfield 3 tomorrow would be:

Sigurdsson, Schneiderlin, Delph

I'd probably go for Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Iwobi in front of them. Iwobi over Bernard for his strength and size.

If it's not working, I hope to see Kean come on to play with Calvert-Lewin. The lad isn't ready to play up front on his own yet, but he might just get us a goal playing in a free role off Calvert-Lewin. Let's face it, Sigurdsson playing behind Calvert-Lewin doesn't work, so we have to change something...

Tony Twist 57Posted
04/10/2019 at
16:38:07

3-1 to Burnley. I really am at the stage where I don't trust this team to get a win. They are mentally weak and unable to turn things around in matches. Silva just ain't good enough on the mental side of things.

To be honest, Silva just ain't good enough at anything. Prove me wrong, Everton, win (draw not good enough) and I will have a permanent smile on my face until our next game.

Derek Knox 58Posted
04/10/2019 at
16:43:27

I have to agree with the suggestions of playing Anthony Gordon, give the lad a chance even if it's off the bench. Marcus Rashford was thrown in at the deep end for Man Utd and has never looked back since.

Silva has a reluctance to change anything, and that includes giving the lads a chance, it might just work and save the club millions on an untried at Premier League level goal scorer. All these so-called superstars have had to start off somewhere, but we'll never know if they don't get given an opportunity.

John Hammond 59Posted
04/10/2019 at
16:58:59

We all know how Dyche will set his team up. We all know they'll keep their shape, sit deep, let us have possession and push us out wide restricting us to crosses. Surely Silva will have come up with a Plan B seeing as it's a regular occurrence... Surely?

The Iceland coach says he plays Sigurdsson as a number 8 in a 4-4-2 which I found quite interesting. Because we get pushed out wide by defensive teams it means he becomes less effective.

Saw a stat that says we're worst in the Premier League for losing the ball with poor control and second worst (behind Man Utd) for being dispossessed.

Jay Harris 60Posted
04/10/2019 at
17:26:32

I think this is a game for Bernard. I can just picture him turning the Burnley defence inside out and with Calvert-Lewin, Sigurdsson and Richarlison coming in from the right we should be able to punish them.

Midfield and defense needs to be firm, mobile and resolute so I would go with Delph and Gomes who do seem to work better together. Back 4 picks itself.

Subs bench: Holgate, Davies, Iwobi, Kean and Lössl.

John Keating 61Posted
04/10/2019 at
17:37:04

Jamie 47,

Jamie funny you mentioning the pressure on Silva.

I said last season we should give him 10 games in this season before commenting. However, when I looked at the fixture list I thought there would be no way Silva's job would be up for grabs as on paper I thought we'd be right up there.

Now, after the abysmal preseason and first 7 games. The fact we are still seeing the same mistakes, the same boring dour tactics, you may have a point in that the pressure will really be on at the end of October if we fall to those three lumps!

As mentioned so often, losing, like winning, becomes a habit.

Neil Lawson 62Posted
04/10/2019 at
17:42:58

"We all know how Dyche will set up his team." Yes, we do. But 50 plus of us so far are doubtful about our manager's intentions, or more particularly, his ability to be insightful and creative. Most likely it will be the standard dross from the usual suspects.

He could start by changing the keeper. Not many voices advocating that but just what has Pickford done this season to make his inclusion a given? Certainly not catching a cross!!

Surprise us all, Marco.

Yeah right!!!

Andrew Dempsey 63Posted
04/10/2019 at
18:04:52

Gary #26,

I love the spirit of what you're saying, but the reality is different. It's bad planning from Everton that none of our promising young players get decent loan spells with good footballing sides.

The Chelsea lads Mount and Abraham are full of confidence because of good seasons in the Championship, scoring goals, challenging for and getting promotion. You can't just fabricate this confidence.

Tom Davies and Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have had at least one season in the Championship, and it's criminal that they haven't. It partly explains their timidity and nervousness on the pitch.

Go and play and make mistakes and learn and gain confidence in the Championship, you come back mentally stronger if the loan goes well. Gordon should definitely go to Leeds or Swansea, just don't send him somewhere that plays attritional football because he'll get nothing out of it.

There are plenty of examples where this doesn't work out, Kieran Dowell for example, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be tried.

I think Dowell was unlucky when Karanka (one of the worst managers around) came into Nottm Forest though.

You obviously need to send the player to a side playing progressive, fast football.

Gary Willock 64Posted
04/10/2019 at
18:09:09

Andrew @ 63 - its a fair point, but Id rather give Gordon a chance of getting confidence here than see Walcott or Schniederlin hog then bench again. You never know, comes in, scores a few and that ‘confidence flies.

Joe McMahon 65Posted
04/10/2019 at
18:40:03

Neil @62 — not me. I have no time for Pickford at all. If he is going to be so cocky and arrogant, he has to learn to become a top keeper first.

Andrew Dempsey 66Posted
04/10/2019 at
18:48:58

Yes, that's true.

If they come in, play well, and keep getting played, that's al the momentum you need. But if they have one bad game, then get dropped for the next 10 because they're not trusted, it's pointless.

Why Koeman never kept playing Lookman and Davies for the next 15-20 games in a row after that 4-0 Man City game, I'll never know. Look at the difference in the careers of Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden.

You've got to play regularly between 18 - 21 yrs old, in first-team football. At the moment, considering he's not on loan, I don't see why Gordon shouldn't be on the bench ahead of Theo ‘offers nothing' Walcott. The collective groan when everyone sees Walcott is coming on is something none of us need in our lives.

Andrew Keatley 67Posted
04/10/2019 at
19:28:57

Andrew Dempsey - Make your mind up, lad; do you think Anthony Gordon should go out on loan or should he be on the first team bench? Which one is it?

Its a matter of individual readiness and ability. Abraham, Tomori and Mount are ready to play in the Chelsea first team now. 12 months ago they were deemed not ready, and Chelseas hand has been forced by their transfer ban. Their fellow Chelsea player Lewis Baker is 24 and on his 7th loan in five seasons. Tens of other Chelseas youth players have also had loan spells and never got anywhere near the Chelsea first team. Callum Hudson-Odoi broke into the first team at 17 without ever going on loan. Every individual is different.

One player quietly progressing very nicely is Burnleys Dwight McNeil. He never went out on loan, and instead got opportunities in their first team at the age of 18. He took his chance and now is a very established part of their first team and is an England Under 21 regular. I think - and its always a risk and a punt - that Anthony Gordon has the potential to follow that same trajectory.

Kieran Kinsella 68Posted
04/10/2019 at
19:44:09

I imagine Sean Dyche and his team were in absolute hysterics watching videos of Carry On Corner: Everton's season highlights so far. Mina played by Bernard Bresslaw, Charles Hawtrey as Bernard, with laughing Pickfod AKA Sid James in goal. Our best chance is that they don't take the game seriously.

Andrew Dempsey 69Posted
04/10/2019 at
19:52:30

AK #67

Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrm, I don't know?

Not sure.

Mike Gaynes 71Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:13:39

Watching our long-ago friend Lucas Jutkiewicz leading the line for Birmingham against Boro.

He hasn't had many touches so far, but I'll tell ya, the guy has spent a lot of the intervening years in the gym. The skinny kid we remember is quite the physical specimen now.

John Keating 72Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:17:26

Andrew,

What's the point of sending our good youngsters out on loan to teams playing "progressive, fast football"???

They'd be ruined coming back to Silva's stuff.

Winston Williamson 73Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:21:47

I still say you can't play Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin in the same team and expect attacking fluidity. They're too slow. We lose the ball and the middle of the team (ie, central defence, defensive midfield and No 10) are too slow to react and make ground up.

Play Sigurdsson, but drop Morgan. Or, Play Morgan but drop Siggy. Our central defence isn't quick enough to compensate for the two of them...

I don't think we'll win, but I live in hope for a surprise...

Jamie Crowley 74Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:29:48

There's a lot of people not liking the look of this game.

When TW is over-confident, we lose.

When TW is at the "torch the whole village" point, we win.

1-0 Everton, in a game about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Tony Hill 76Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:32:33

I'm putting my neck on the block: I think Silva is going to turn things around. He has to start right now but we have to stop wishing for his demise and expecting the worst.

We also have to stop expecting that we're a new manager away from glory or, indeed, from significant improvement. This is a long road and we have to walk it.

As for Gordon, he looks very promising and will get his chance.

Andrew Dempsey 78Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:36:07

John #72

Ah, that made me laugh. As some of the more sensible people on here have said, remove Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin from the first XI and the speed of play increases by at least two-fold.

Jamie Crowley 79Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:36:40

Tony Hill @ 76 -

Other than the fact that we all cling to, in that Silva is one hell of a very streaky manager, what makes you think he'll turn it around?

Balls played down the side, very little play in the middle, very few shots on goal, Morgan playing and messing up any attacking chemistry, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, etc.

I truly want to share your positive outlook. I just don't see any signs of positive change!

I turned 50 in late August. I swear to God since that time I've become so negative! Show me the light!

Paul Tran 80Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:43:16

Jamie, I'm not clinging to the fact that Silva is a streaky manager. I regard it as a very huge flaw, especially when his poor streaks outweigh the good ones.

How about a consistently good manager? That's Silva's job. If he can't do it, time to start searching for his replacement.

Jamie Crowley 81Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:43:25

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!

I just thought, "Maybe I'm being too hard on Morgan. I wonder how we've done when he's played?"

So I went to the Premier League site.

5 appearances, no wins, 4 loses.

Is that correct??

Tony Hill 82Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:47:26

Because, Jamie @79, I have seen some of the best football we've played for a long time under Silva. Yes, it's in short passages (with a few exceptions where we've maintained things for a longer period) but, even last weekend, I thought we played some really good stuff. He has been very unlucky with injuries this season and I think that's a somewhat underrated factor in our poor start.

But, above all, I am concerned that we are becoming a bit of a toxic fan-base. We are reflexively critical and damning of our own: Goodison is, despite the siren, a morgue and we are in danger of collapsing in on ourselves and masochistically relishing our weaknesses.

Of course, if we keep losing and surrendering away from home, in particular, then Silva must go — but we were playing very well at the end of last season (yes, I know about Fulham) and that has been brushed aside on here as though it didn't really happen or didn't matter.

We should take a look at ourselves, as well as at the manager and players.

Mike Gaynes 84Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:50:15

PT #80, that may already be happening. Brands plans ahead.

Eric Paul 85Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:50:23

Jamie,

Any other players played in all the same games?

Paul Tran 86Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:52:28

The thing is, Tony, randomness will tell you that this squad will produce some good football now again. Given the outlay & talent, that's going to happen.Not happening enough, is it?

Paul Tran 88Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:55:41

I hope/suspect you're right, Mike. Given what the good folk of Burnley asked me, I hope Silva has a brainwave and plays Iwobi and Kean to run their back four all over the place. Not holding my breath.

Tony Hill 89Posted
04/10/2019 at
20:57:14

No, it isn't, Paul, @86, but I don't think that plucking other managerial options out of the air is going to help. What I do say is that there is enough evidence that Silva wants to play the right way for us to back him more firmly than we are doing. In return, certainly, he needs to be truer to his instincts and he needs to be braver.

Paul Tran 90Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:02:36

I can see that, Tony, as well your point about some injuries, which hasn't helped.

I've said for a few years that we might have to go through a few managers before we get the right one. I'm struggling to see how Silva can be that right one, but I hope he proves me wrong.

Tony Hill 91Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:04:47

Yes, Paul, I'm not cheerleading for Silva. He has to do it for himself and I entirely understand the view of those who are sceptical.

Jamie Crowley 92Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:05:28

Tony -

If the fanbase is toxic, surely there's an argument to be made that justifies this current atmosphere?

I'm sorry mate (English word used by an American, always dicey...), but we're losing far, far too many games that we should win. We should expect more.

We're in the "easy" portion of our schedule, and should be accumulating points like a 21 year old on his birthday accumulates shots in the bars over here! It's wholly substandard, and just unacceptable. Especially considering the amount of money we've tossed at the squad.

Injuries are definitely "a thing". But with Gomes and Gbamin hurt, surely we still have enough talent to see victory against the Mighty Villa, Sheffield United (I keep saying Wednesday, with apologies to those good people!), Bournemouth, and Palace!

The game last week was better. If our play continues down that path, fine. But if we lose to Burnley, I mean seriously, what are we? 15th at best based upon our results this season?

One word: crap. I don't know how you slice it any other way.

Sun's out. I'm happy. Thought that was worth mentioning!

Jamie Crowley 93Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:10:37

Eric @87,

I don't know. I'm not even sure I'm reading the stat correctly? Which is why I asked, "Is that correct?"

I'll bet dimes to doughnuts our record is poor with Morgan Schneiderlin in the line-up.

Tony Hill 94Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:12:16

Well, we'll see, Jamie. You always cheer me up on here. Enjoy the sun. It doesn't come out much in Burnley.

Eric Paul 96Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:22:06

Jamie, you'll get no argument from me regarding Schneiderlin... but he isn't on his own.

Jamie Crowley 97Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:25:52

True Eric. But I still say he just kills our attacking intent.

It's 11 players on the pitch. They're all have to take responsibility.

I just see us not getting the ball forward quick enough with Morgan out there, among other things.

Cheers. Leaving work. Let's hope my morning tomorrow is full of attacking football, and laying my wife's team to the sword. I hope we crush them.

Mike Gaynes 98Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:26:39

Jamie, that stat is true. The only two Premier League games we have won this season were the two with Schneiderlin out of the lineup. However, he also played the full 90 in the Carabao Cp wins over Lincoln City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Last season, he started only 8 games. We were undefeated -- won three, drew five.

Make of that what you will.

Tony Everan 99Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:27:22

Tony 82, good post. The sooner we learn that turning up at places equipped with better quality players wins you absolutely fuck-all, the better.

Talking about legendary fighters...

Any team has to turn up ready for an almighty fight. An almighty midfield battle and earn the right to win. Without that indefatigable fighting spirit more often than not quality gets snuffed out.

More so, and almost without exception, away from home.

Danny Broderick 102Posted
04/10/2019 at
21:35:48

Tony (82),

A voice of reason!

We should have had some better results, but at the same time, we have no divine right to beat Villa, Bournemouth and Palace away. Weve had a few injuries and we have a new team gelling. Hopefully it will gel sooner rather than later, so lets keep the faith. If we keep changing managers, the job is going to become toxic like you say.

Hopefully the turnaround starts tomorrow after last weeks good showing...

Paul Birmingham 115Posted
04/10/2019 at
22:37:05

Its the day of reckoning and youd like to think with Adelphis England recall, and the poor spate of results, that this will instill some guts, pride in the Everton shirt and belief, at Turf Moor.

Its the minimum tomorrow as a bad display and the wrong result will make this a very tough journey ahead for this season and Marco Silva. Theres no excuses tomorrow, for lack of effort.

Bill Watson 126Posted
05/10/2019 at
01:58:16

I'm afraid I've lost all faith with our haplass manager, primarily because he refuses to learn from his mistakes.

I'll be pleasantly surprised if we win but it won't change my opinion of Silva. With the players at his disposal, 15th in the table is unacceptable. Most of the dropped points have been the result of his flawed selections and set-ups and his inexplicable, chaotic substitutions.

Si Cooper 128Posted
05/10/2019 at
04:51:38

Gomes had a rib injury so hopefully his return to training this week just means the full-on team sessions and he's been keeping his legs going the rest of the time.

I'm not sure why people associate Tom Davies with biting tackles; all in all I don't see him as a particularly good defensive midfielder. To me, he is a busy and committed player but not a shield in front of the defence. Still think he lacks the power and pace to make the most of his natural abilities.

We all want better than the languid Morgan but Tom Davies isn't a panacea. Silva must be desperate for Gbamin to get fit and come good.

Si Cooper 129Posted
05/10/2019 at
05:04:56

Also not sure why some want us to sit back and invite Burnley to bombard our area. Barnes may not be rapid but he seems to be good at latching on to half chances and burying them. I'd much rather Burnley have to fight for every inch closer to our goal once they cross the half-way or have to resort to launching balls to their isolated forwards.

I know we haven't yet been much good at breaking down massed defences but it is still the way we have to look to play if we are ever going to really progress. Simply looking to hold out and hitting Burnley on the counter could get a result but would it develop our players at all?

Justin Doone 130Posted
05/10/2019 at
05:24:09

We have suffered from injuries but so do all teams. We have a far superior squad in terms of skill, pace and athleticism than at any time in the last 10 years but again so do the majority of other teams.

We are failing to get the best out of the squad and simply it's a combined effort but ultimately the manager and coaches pay the price.

An extreme example being if all our forward players were injured I'm not confident Silva would be able to adjust and get the best out of the remaining squad instead trying to play similar football.

He's doesn't seem to want or expect to use a plan B, never mind C or D no matter what is happening on the pitch.

A few things City and Burnley have in common is getting the ball and players forward into dangerous areas, whipping in dangerous crosses in and around the box and working hard to close down the opposition.

It will be interesting to see how we set up to counter them and get the most from our own players. I understand sticking to principles but there needs to be flexibility in such a fluid sport.

Duncan McDine 131Posted
05/10/2019 at
07:48:56

Another weekend and Ive woken up stupidly optimistic that were about to turn the corner. Reality will set in soon enough.

Terry Farrell 132Posted
05/10/2019 at
07:55:51

Tony spot on re Goodison. Too many moaners. Moan after the game on the way out of the ground not whilst the game is on.

Where have all of our songs gone? Never say die till the final whistle. Home support in some of the Premier League's no-hope clubs is far superior and a raucous Goodison bear-pit is a beautiful thing and gets the extra 10% out of the team.

Neil Wood 133Posted
05/10/2019 at
08:11:54

Well. loving the optimism on here!!!

First trip to Turf Moor for me despite me only being half-hour train ride away so looking forward to it. Got a Calvert-Lewin hat-trick feeling today – don't know why just think his tail is up and his confidence is growing. Think we might surprise them today and batter them.

Ian Riley 134Posted
05/10/2019 at
08:37:42

Silva has taken a lot of the flack, and rightly so, but the players are not working hard enough. Need to win second balls, chase in packs, and defend from front to back. Teams we should be beating. It's blind faith and loyalty. No one gives you anything in life unless you earn it.

Today it's a battle. Dyche is no fool and will have his team drilled to get at us. I don't care if burnley have 80% of the ball and we score in the 94th minute with a deflection off a burnley players backside. Today is about 3 points. Wins breed confidence, no matter how they come!

Dave O\'Connell 135Posted
05/10/2019 at
08:56:43

Must win game today... lose and lose badly, then Silva surely has to go.

Brian Porter 136Posted
05/10/2019 at
09:16:46

For those of us, (not me), who are obsessed with statistics, I just came across this projected final league table for this season based on current form/statistics.

It makes for depressing reading, showing us ending the season one place above the relegation three. The sad thing is that unless Silva changes his tactics, team selections, and at times, unfathomable substitutions, I could see this prediction coming true.

I firmly believe that Silva is the wrong man for the job, and always was.

Brian Porter 137Posted
05/10/2019 at
09:32:25

Sorry, I forgot the link to the article I referred to above. For anybody interested it's https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1184985/Premier-League-table-predicted-supercomputer-reveals-final-standings-Man-Utd-Arsenal

Duncan McDine 139Posted
05/10/2019 at
09:34:15

Brian, if youre not obsessed with stats, why use them to back up your opinion that Silva is the wrong man for the job? Theres a lot of things he does that annoys the hell out of me, but Im prepared to see if he can learn and improve. I cant be doing with yet another managerial change... all it does is unbalance the squad further.

Ian Bennett 140Posted
05/10/2019 at
09:36:06

I am reluctant to want Silva out, but God he's got to sort out the teams ability to come back from a goal down and stop conversing so many from set pieces.

Clive Rogers 141Posted
05/10/2019 at
09:56:01

We have only scored 6 goals in 7 games. They are scoring more than us and conceding less. It all points to a bad result unless Silva changes something.

Raymond Fox 142Posted
05/10/2019 at
10:24:40

I see we are 6/4 favs on Betfair now, either I was wrong saying we were 9/4 yesterday or there's been a load of money piled on us, probably the former!

Whatever, that won't make us win a game that's going to have to be fought for, Burnley might not be the most skilled but are tough and direct.

I still think we will win this fixture, it's time our best players showed their abilities and I think they will today.

Simon Smith 143Posted
05/10/2019 at
10:46:17

I can only see another defeat, unfortunately. Please prove me wrong, Everton.

Jack Convery 144Posted
05/10/2019 at
10:57:48

If Iwobi and Bernard are fit, I hope he puts Sigurdsson on the bench and goes with all-out pace up-front:

Hopefully we win today, but anything else and surely we have to wake up and smell the coffee – Silva would have to go!. A look at the table is a sobering thought... and with tougher fixtures to come!

Jonathan Tasker 146Posted
05/10/2019 at
11:04:11

The only reason we scored five last season in this fixture was that Joe Hart was in goal. So that was like playing against a team with no goalkeeper. That was the last time Hart was selected.

Am going for 1-1 or a 1-0 loss.

Either way, Silva wont last the season.

At some point even the Kenwrights will appreciate that yes man Silva was a disastrous choice.

Just to remind you all, we start the day in 15th.

Jack Convery 147Posted
05/10/2019 at
11:05:57

I will be interested to see how McNeill goes up against Coleman - I like the look of that kid.

Brian Wilkinson 148Posted
05/10/2019 at
11:08:24

I had a vision last night of Walcott standing on the touchline waiting to come off the bench, or was it a nightmare.

I must leave off that cheese last thing at night.

Dave Williams 149Posted
05/10/2019 at
11:24:50

Jack #144-,

That's my pick too! Pace, skill and much more energy without Morgan and Siggy. We still have two starters who are 30 years old which is enough for me. We need a team with youth, energy and vibrancy and say goodbye to the slow sideways and backwards passing game we have seen so far this season.

It's so important we win today both for our league position and for Silvas future.

2-0 to us provided he plays something very close to this team.

John Kavanagh 150Posted
05/10/2019 at
11:30:31

Jack @144. That's pretty much the side I'd go for as well. Sigurdsson is too slow for our set up and is well below form anyway. Both Barnard and Iwobe should start, with either one filling to number 10 role and the left wing spot. As Digne works well with Barnard, it would probably be better to put Iwobe in the 10 spot. There were signs of some understanding developing between DCL and Iwobe at Sheffield Wednesday, which is worth working on.

Unfortunately, our coaching and tactical genius will instead likely go with Schneiderlin and Sigurdsson, plus the raw finishing power of Walcott off the bench. The Burnley keeper's busiest moment in this scenario will be when he gets his deckchair out to watch the match.

David Greenwood 151Posted
05/10/2019 at
11:39:54

Hoping for a win but fearing the worst today.

I can't see Brands putting up with Silva for much longer.

He has given Silva some really talented players who we can all see are not being used properly.

Lose today and I think he will be gone.

Derek Knox 152Posted
05/10/2019 at
11:42:16

Jack, I would hardly call Coleman a kid.😂

Seriously he does look a decent prospect if he develops what looks like decent potential.

Brian @148, I think we've all had similar nightmares recently, and not just specifically about Walcott, and that is with, or without cheese!

Anthony Jones 153Posted
05/10/2019 at
12:02:59

We aren't going to get Man City level players until we qualify for the Champions League. I don't understand why clubs aspiring for the top 6/4 don't copy the model of the Shite: 4-3-3, tireless midfielders, full backs, and inside-forwards.

Klopp has done wonders turning good players into European Champions. Silva's philosophy might work at Estoril or Real Madrid, in leagues that reward technical dominance, but in the unforgiving Premier League, Blitzkrieg is the way to close the gap on the elite teams.

We need an unrelenting midfield to complement our wide players, who are pretty decent to be fair, and we need a manager that isn't swallowed up his own arse by a high-brow philosophy.

James Hughes 154Posted
05/10/2019 at
12:19:13

Everton to get back to winning ways today, despite our poor away record. We won't keep a clean sheet so 4-2 to us.

Silva will stick with the same formation but Morgan will be inspired as Mina will be armed with a tazer and given a shoot to maim instruction if Morgan passes sideways or back. COYB

Kim Vivian 155Posted
05/10/2019 at
12:30:50

We gonna score 4 James?...We've only scored 6 in 7 games (3 in 6 if you take out the Wolves result). I sure hope you're right though.

I think we'll scrap for a point today. Maybe 0-0 or 1- 1...Will be looking to stream the game as usual, and looking forward to it actually despite my predicted gloom.

Derek Knox 156Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:03:08

Kim, I know Bein 1 is covering the game, (Arabic commentary) and NBC Gold but I'm sure there will be a stream somewhere. I looked at LJ's Satellite Football before, and there are not many media sources covering our game at all.

They probably know something that we don't!

James Hughes 157Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:05:39

Kim, just been to my happy clapping club.

spuds are now 2-0 down, man utd are crap =, we could have capitalized--- BUT as you say 6 goals in 7 games.

Tony Everan 158Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:08:28

Brian 148

Did your wife/partner ask you why you were screaming and in a cold sweat when you woke up?

I must admit though 1-0 down from a Burnley corner ...20 mins to go ...Marco gives Theo the nod to get his big coat off........

As soon as that vision enters the subconscious it's hardly the recipe for a sound sleep.

Jamie Crowley 159Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:22:02

G'Mornin'!

Anthony Jones:

Klopp has done wonders turning good players into European Champions. Silva's philosophy might work at Estoril or Real Madrid, in leagues that reward technical dominance, but in the unforgiving Premier League, Blitzkrieg is the way to close the gap on the elite teams.

This sums up exactly what I want to see Everton do. Exactly.

I couldn't agree more, that's a genius comment.

Your way (and dare I say mine?) also provides real viewing entertainment and a brand of football to be proud of.

Someday... Blitzkrieg.

Sam Hoare 160Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:25:42

Brighton looking very good. Graham Potter might prove a very good manager. Started Swanseas revolution last year and beginning the same at Brighton. Next man after Silva?

Brian Wilkinson 161Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:32:07

We should have a mini sweep stake, instead of a Golden goal guess the time Walcott comes off the bench, Im going for 72 minutes.

I managed to contain my scream Tony, but I did twiddle my bottom lip for a while with a couple of head wobbles thrown in, for good measure.

Seeing Walcott on the touchline is up there with the bin men heading off into the distance, when it hits you that you forgot to put it out.

While we are on the subject of the Mrs, why do we never complain, when they leave the toilet seat down.

John Pierce 162Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:38:54

Pochettino saving Silvas job for him at the moment.

Brian Wilkinson 163Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:40:23

Not sure about the Blitzkrieg Jamie, be nice to get there, but at the moment we are more like a Derby and Joan Hokey Cokey congregation.

The build up play is like watching a tennis match, if you are sat behind either goal, to me to you, left right, left right and fall back.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts 164Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:43:11

Add Östersund to the Potter CV.

They were 3rd tier in Sweden before he took over and got them into Europe and 4th in their premiership.

John Pierce 165Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:44:23

I do wonder if that massive smack to the head will make Walcott remember hes a footballer.

John Pierce 166Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:48:42

Sam?! You still on the ale?!

Brian Wilkinson 167Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:50:05

Stranger things have happened John, lets hope he does not do an amo in the semi final at Elland Road, and runs onto the pitch, when one of our players are being treated for an injury.

Ray Roche 168Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:53:20

No live forum?

Denis Richardson 169Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:54:58

Spurs season going from bad to worse. In hindsight I guess predictable given the number of senior players who wanted out over the summer and didnt get their moves.

Just makes you even more depressed. This really was the season to take advantage with Chelsea and Manu also struggling. Before we can think of anything like a high league finish we need to start getting results on the road. Our away form isnt even top half, never mind top 6.

Big game for Silva this - team news out soon.

Derek Knox 170Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:55:58

Ray, usually between an hour of half an hour before the game. Good to see you back!

Ray Roche 171Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:58:13

Hi Derek, I'd like to say it's good to be back but I feel a "glass half empty" kinda day lies ahead!

John Pierce 172Posted
05/10/2019 at
13:59:09

Seagulls crapping over the Cockerels

Ray Roche 173Posted
05/10/2019 at
14:02:46

John, Spurs need something to help them get their season back on track. They need to play us.😁